Two years ago, Hungarian pianists – and married couple – Dénes Várjon and Izabella Simon were at the airport waiting to leave New Zealand when the invitation came to return.
Várjon, with Simon occasionally performing alongside, had entranced Nelson’s Adam Chamber Music Festival and organisers couldn’t wait to have him back. When the forthcoming event’s programme was announced, his solo recital quickly sold out.
What’s special about this modest and quietly spoken musician whose solo and ensemble albums have been increasingly winning acclaim and awards? Perhaps his combination of staggering technique with a profoundly sensitive musicality. His virtuosity is unpretentious and his elegant playing, full of passion and tenderness, reveals a complete commitment to composers and their music.
Denne historien er fra February 2-8, 2019-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra February 2-8, 2019-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.
